Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is making headlines as he defends his title at the Bahrain Darts Masters, seeking to build on his burgeoning reputation following his World Darts Championship victory earlier this month.
The 17-year-old, known as "The Nuke," is set to face PDC Asian Champion Lourence Ilagan on Thursday evening, marking the opening round of this prestigious tournament. Littler arrives at the event with immense confidence, having recently lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy for the first time after defeating Michael van Gerwen last month.
The Bahrain Darts Masters is not only the first stop on the 2025 World Series of Darts but also holds special significance for Littler, as this is the third iteration of the tournament held since its inception just two years ago.
Taking place at The Dome at the Bahrain International Circuit, the tournament spans two days—January 16 and 17—and has attracted 16 of the world’s best players. Alongside Littler, world number one Luke Humphries will kick off his campaign against local qualifier Abdulla Saeed. While fans are excited to tune in, Michael van Gerwen's absence due to family commitments leaves room for other competitors to shine.
The tournament format incorporates intense competition starting with the first round—consisting of best-of-11 legs—building up to the exciting final set for Friday, which will be contested as best-of-15 legs. All eyes will be on the best players including Gerwyn Price, Rob Cross, and Stephen Bunting as they aim for the prestigious Date Palm Trophy and a share of the £60,000 prize fund, with the winner receiving £20,000.
On the first night, Littler faced Ilagan, clinching victory with a 6-3 scoreline to reach the quarter-finals. Although he acknowledged his performance wasn’t up to his usual standard, Littler's constant scoring power proved too much for Ilagan, who struggled with finishing. “It wouldn’t mean the absolute world to come back and retain it as the World Champion. I’ve already kicked off 2025 the best it can get, but to win two tournaments this month would mean the world,” said Littler after his match.
Despite some crowd distractions, including disruptive whistling, referee Russ Bray managed to keep things under control, allowing both players to focus on the game. Littler remarked on his immediate adjustments, stating “I wouldn’t say there were any nerves, but I was playing with a fresh set of darts because the ones I used at the World Championship are being put away in a frame.” This admission highlights Littler's commitment to continuous improvement.
World No. 1 Luke Humphries showcased his skill by demolishing Abdulla Saeed with incredible precision, illustrating his intent to bounce back after suffering disappointment at the World Championship. Humphries expressed determination to reclaim his title and regain his winning form.
The night held surprises with former world champion Rob Cross experiencing shock defeat to world No. 94 Paolo Nebrida, marking the first time ever at the Bahrain Masters for a PDC player to lose to an Asian representative. Cross's exit early underscored the unpredictability of the sport. Nebrida exclaimed, “I’m proud to win and I know there’s more to come,” showcasing the thrill of unexpected triumph.
Looking forward, Littler will face the formidable Gerwyn Price, who has openly acknowledged the pressure on the young champion. “All the pressure is on Luke. He’s the world champion, the world No 2, he has had a brilliant year. There’s no pressure on me. I’m here to upset the party,” Price stated, setting the stage for high drama as Littler prepares to defend his title.
Littler remains focused and motivated, mentioning his hopes to tally more nine-dart finishes this year, wanting to surpass the record he equaled last year. “It feels crazy to be back in Bahrain. I want to win as much as I can. Obviously, try to hit more nine-darters than I did last year,” Littler added, conveying his drive and hunger for success.
With the Bahrain Darts Masters underway, all eyes are on Littler as he defends his championship title and aims for continued dominance on the professional darts circuit. This event will not only test his skills but also solidify his status as one of the top players of his generation, setting up the thrilling narrative of the coming days.